Xiaomi AirDots 2: How to sync your headphones with your phone in 5 minutes

Xiaomi AirDots 2 wireless headphones (also known as Redmi AirDots 2) remain among the most popular budget headphones. TWS-The models are based on a combination of price, sound quality and battery life, but many users have difficulty initially syncing headphones with each other or connecting them to a smartphone. Especially often problems appear after a long downtime, firmware update or accidental resetting of settings.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Xiaomi AirDots 2 can sync, from standard Bluetooth connectivity to manual reset and flashing, how to make headphones work together when they’re defined separately, why a single headphone doesn’t make sound, and what to do if the device doesn’t see the headset at all, and instructions are suitable for owners of both Android smartphones and iPhones.

Important: The synchronization procedure for AirDots 2 is different from newer models (such as AirDots 3 Pro or Buds 4), so don’t use the instructions for other versions – this can cause crashes.

Preparation for synchronization: what to check before connecting

Before you start pairing, make sure your headphones and smartphone are ready for the procedure. Often synchronization problems arise from trivial reasons that are easy to fix in advance.

Here is the mandatory checklist before connecting:

  • πŸ”‹ Headphone charge level: at least 30%. If the indicator on the case flashes red, charge the device for 10-15 minutes. Synchronization with a discharged battery can end with an error.
  • πŸ“± Bluetooth on your smartphone: on and visible for other devices. On Android, check Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth, on iPhone - in Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  • 🎧 Headphones in case: both earphones must be in a charger case with the lid open.
  • πŸ”„ Previous connections: Remove AirDots 2 from the list of associated devices, if any. Old profiles may conflict with new sync.

If you're connecting your headphones for the first time, they should automatically go into pairing mode when removed from the case. If the headset has been used before, you'll need to manually activate the search mode - read about this in the next section.

πŸ“Š What version of AirDots do you use?
AirDots 2 (Redmi AirDots 2)
AirDots 3/AirDots 3 Pro
AirDots Youth Edition
Buds 4/Buds 4 Pro
Another model

Standard synchronization Xiaomi AirDots 2: step-by-step instructions

If the headphones are new or have been properly disabled before, they will take no more than a minute to sync.

  1. Take both earphones out of the charger case. They should automatically turn on (white light flashes).
  2. On your smartphone, open Settings β†’ Bluetooth and make sure the module is turned on.
  3. In the list of available devices, find Redmi AirDots_XXX (where XXX β€” unique number. Click on the name to connect.
  4. Confirm pairing if you request it. Once you've successfully connected, the headphones will go out and the phone will display "Connected" status.

If the headphones don't appear on the list or only one of them connects, go to the manual reset section, and check if the phone is power-saving mode activated - it can block the search for Bluetooth devices.

β˜‘οΈ What to do if AirDots 2 is not visible in Bluetooth

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An important nuance: when you first connect to an iPhone, you may need additional confirmation in the pop-up window. On Android, these requests are usually not, but on some firmware (for example, MIUI) you may notice the permission to access contacts - it can be canceled, it will not affect the work of the headphones.

Manual reset and forced synchronization of headphones

If the standard connection didn't work, it's likely that the headphones went out of sync with each other.

  • πŸ”Œ Long-term downtime without use (more than 2-3 weeks).
  • πŸ“± Connecting to multiple devices at the same time.
  • ⚑ Abrupt power outage during firmware update.

For resetting and re-synchronization, follow the following steps:

  1. Place both headphones in the charger case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
  2. Open the lid, but don't pull out the headphones. Press and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the headphone indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
  3. Release the button. The headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (white flashing lights) and can now be connected to the phone as described in the previous section.

If the headphones still don’t sync after reset, try an alternative method:

  1. Get both earphones out of the case.
  2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until you hear a voice message "Reset successful" (in Chinese firmware) or see a flashing red.
  3. Put the headphones back in the case, close the lid for 5 seconds, then repeat the standard connection.
What to do if the button on the case does not respond?
If the physical button on the charging case does not work, try the following steps: 1. Rub the button with an alcohol napkin - it may have been dirt under it. 2. Connect the case to charging and press again (sometimes there is not enough power to reset). 3. If the button is drowned or broken, the only way out is to disassemble the case and check the contacts (requires experience in electronics repair).

Synchronization problems: causes and solutions

Even after reset, Xiaomi AirDots 2 headphones may not work properly, and below are common bugs and ways to fix them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Only one headphone is connected.The battery in the second headphone is discharged or synchronization failurePut both headphones in the case for 10 minutes, then reset (see section above)
The headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one.Incorrectly selected Bluetooth profile (e.g., β€œPhone Call” instead of β€œMusic”)In your Bluetooth phone settings, click on the gear icon next to AirDots 2 and select Media Audio.
Permanent communication breakdownsInterference from other wireless devices or weak Bluetooth signalDisable other Bluetooth gadgets, reboot your phone, try connecting elsewhere
Headphones are not defined by any device.Hardware failure of Bluetooth controller in case or headphonesTry connecting to another phone/PC. If it doesn't work, repairs are required.

If none of these things worked, check the headphone firmware version. Outdated software can cause conflicts with modern smartphones. Update the firmware is available through the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS), but note that not all AirDots 2 versions support OTA-update.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted, try turning off the Absolute Volume option in your phone's Bluetooth settings. On some Android firmware, it causes conflicts with the phone. TWS-device.

Updating the firmware for stable operation

Xiaomi AirDots 2 headphone firmware affects communication quality, battery life and device compatibility. If your headset is released before 2021, chances are it has an outdated version of the software that can cause synchronization problems.

To update the firmware:

  1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
  3. Open Mi Home, click Add Device (+) β†’ Headphones β†’ Redmi AirDots 2.
  4. If an update is available, the app will prompt you to install it. Don't turn off your headphones during the process!

List of current firmware versions for AirDots 2:

  • 1.4.0_0039 β€” base version for models 2019 year-end.
  • 1.7.1_0112 β€” improved communication stability (2020 year).
  • 2.1.0_0045 β€” The latest official version with support AAC-codec.

If the Mi Home app doesn’t find headphones, try:

  • πŸ“Œ Install the region in the app on "China" (in the user profile).
  • πŸ“Œ Use it. VPN servers in China or Singapore.
  • πŸ“Œ Connect via another device (e.g. tablet).

πŸ’‘

Update firmware through Mi Home is the only official way.Simple" firmware from third-party developers can bring the headphones out of order!

Synchronization with a computer or laptop

Connecting Xiaomi AirDots 2 to a PC or Mac is the same as connecting to a smartphone, but there are a few nuances: On Windows 10/11 and macOS, the pairing process is almost identical, but additional audio profile adjustment may be required.

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth and other devices.
  2. Click "Add Bluetooth or other device" β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Choose Redmi. AirDots_XXX list.
  4. After connecting, open the Control Panel β†’ Sound, find the headphones in the list and install them with the default device.

For macOS:

  1. Open System settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Click "Connect" next to AirDots 2.
  3. In System Settings β†’ Sound, select headphones as the output device.

If the headphones are connected to the PC, but there is no sound:

  • πŸ–₯️ Check that the correct profile is selected in the sound settings (e.g., β€œStereo” and not β€œVoice Calling").
  • πŸ–₯️ Update Bluetooth drivers (via Windows Device Manager).
  • πŸ–₯️ Disable other audio devices that may conflict.

πŸ’‘

On Windows 11, sometimes it helps to remove the device from the Bluetooth list with the β€œDelete Driver” tick, after which the headphones connect as new.

Frequent questions and myths about Xiaomi AirDots 2

There are a lot of rumors around Xiaomi AirDots 2, from β€œthey break in a month” to β€œyou can flash it to a newer version.”

Can I use AirDots 2 with an iPhone?
Yes, the headphones are fully compatible with the iPhone, but some features may not work properly: πŸ“± The level of charge of headphones in the status bar will not be displayed. πŸ“± Siri voice assistant is not supported (only voice dialing for calls works). πŸ“± There may be delays in audio when watching video (solved by enabling the β€œLow Lag” mode in Bluetooth settings, if any). For stable operation, it is recommended to update the firmware of the headphones through the Android device.
Why does one earpiece discharge faster than another?
This is a problem for AirDots 2, related to the: πŸ”‹ Different time of use (for example, if one headphone is more often removed from the case). πŸ”‹ Battery defect (occurs in 5-10% of cases). πŸ”‹ Software power controller failure Solutions: Complete discharge of both headphones before switching off, then charge up to 100% in the case. Reset the headphones (see section above) and sync again. If the difference in discharge is maintained - contact the service (replacement of the battery costs 300-500 rubles).
Can I flash AirDots 2 to AirDots 3?
No, it's impossible and dangerous! The controllers and the hardware platform are different. Trying to flash AirDots 2 with AirDots 3's firmware will lead to a new, more complicated, and more difficult, scenarios: ❌ Complete loss of functionality of headphones ("bricking"). ❌ Failure of microphones and touch buttons. ❌ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid) The only safe way to update is through official software in Mi Home.
How to check the originality of AirDots 2?
Xiaomi AirDots 2 fakes often sell for the price of the original, but feature worse sound and quick failure: πŸ” The inscription "Redmi" or "MI" on case and headphones (not a sticker!). πŸ” Serial number on the case and in Bluetooth settings match. πŸ” There's a cable in the kit. USB-A β†’ USB-C (Fakes often have micro-USBs). πŸ” The weight of the case is about 35 grams (fakes are easier). Check the serial number through the Mi Home app or on the official Xiaomi website.

Conclusion: What to do if nothing helps

If you’ve tried all the ways, but Xiaomi AirDots 2 still doesn’t sync, the reasons may be as follows:

  1. Hardware malfunction: damage to the Bluetooth module in the case or one of the headphones. Signs - the headphones do not respond to reset, do not charge, the indicators do not burn. Solution: repair in the service center (cost - from 800 rubles).
  2. Software firmware failure: if the headphones are connected, but immediately turn off or make a constant squeak. Solution: try stitching through Mi Home or contact a specialist.
  3. Device incompatibility: Rare but conflicting with some smartphone models (e.g. Huawei on EMUI 12+) Solution: Use headphones with another device.

If the headphones are warranty (usually 12 months), contact the official Xiaomi service, you will need a check and a box from the device, the average repair period is 5-10 days.

πŸ’‘

Before visiting the service center, be sure to reset the headphones and check them on another device, this will eliminate software errors and save diagnostic time.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the case or headphones yourself - this will void the warranty. Inside, glue joints and fragile plumes are used, which are easily damaged without a special tool.